Carpobrotus

Carpobrotus (commonly known as Pigface or Ice plants) is a genus of ground-creeping plants, with succulent leaves and large daisy-like flowers. The name refers to the edible fruits. It comes from the Greek "karpos" (fruit) and "brota" (edible).

There are about 25 species in this genus, having a disperse distribution worldwide. They are mostly South African, but there is also one species in South America and four in Australia. Various Carpobrotus sp. are invasive introduced species in suitable climates throughout the world. Common names include ice plant and Pigface. On of the subdivisions of Carpobrotus, C. glaucescens, is noted for having salty fruit, a rare property in fruits.

Carpobrotus acinaciformis, also referred to in the United States as the Icicle Plant, Strand Ivy, Cape Fig, Hottentots Fig, and Sour Fig, is often used for ground cover due to its fast growth, ground hugging characteristics, and resistance to fire. Carpobrotus are also drought resistant.

Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpobrotus – 10.11.2008